Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Michaels
Thomas L. Michaels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10252856Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Adam S. Fedenia, Wen Tang, Frank Garrett, Otakar Kudrna
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Patent number: 9889239Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container configured to receive a disposable collection container. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner configured to collapse during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The system may include a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing including a cavity and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, the piston including a piston check valve. The system includes a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity. A first connecting line extends between a suction source opening, configured to communicate the suction source to the disposable collection container, and the filter. A first check valve connects to the first connecting line between the suction source opening and the filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russell A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill, Hetal Patel, Brian T. Leadingham
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Patent number: 9770540Abstract: A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse. The canister includes a second vacuum source port located remotely from the lid so as to subject a space between the collapsible liner and the canister to a second vacuum commensurate to the vacuum applied to the interior of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas L. Michaels
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Patent number: 9604778Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Adam S. Fedenia, Wen Tang, Frank Garrett, Otakar Kudrna
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Patent number: 8651531Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of waste fluids includes a conduit system adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Kenneth Horton, Jr., Shannon C. Ingram
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Publication number: 20130345651Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russ A. JOHNSON, Adam S. FEDENIA, Wen TANG, Frank GARRETT, Otakar KUDRNA
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Publication number: 20130341330Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russ A. JOHNSON, Adam S. FEDENIA, Wen TANG, Frank GARRETT, Otakar KUDRNA
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Patent number: 8562577Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Publication number: 20130247326Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russell A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill
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Patent number: 8500706Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Adam S. Fedenia, Wen Tang, Frank Garrett, Otakar Kudrna
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Patent number: 8460256Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill
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Patent number: 8419697Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Patent number: 8403900Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Patent number: 8328778Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Patent number: 8308704Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Publication number: 20120181273Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Patent number: 8172817Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
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Publication number: 20110313375Abstract: A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse. The canister includes a second vacuum source port located remotely from the lid so as to subject a space between the collapsible liner and the canister to a second vacuum commensurate to the vacuum applied to the interior of the bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas L. Michaels
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Patent number: 8025173Abstract: A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Allegiance CorporationInventor: Thomas L. Michaels
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Publication number: 20110178482Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container configured to receive a disposable collection container. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner configured to collapse during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The system may include a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing including a cavity and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, the piston including a piston check valve. The system includes a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity. A first connecting line extends between a suction source opening, configured to communicate the suction source to the disposable collection container, and the filter. A first check valve connects to the first connecting line between the suction source opening and the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: CARDINAL HEALTH, INC.Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russell A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill, Hetal Patel